The nhs favours the middle classes above the needs of the poor, warns a study by think-tank Civitas. It claims the service is a "divisive influence", adding that people in deprived areas are more likely to need hip replacements but less likely to get them. Report author Nick Seddon said: "The middle classes get better care as they are more assertive and know how to work the system." The report says older people and ethnic minorities also suffer "substantial inequities". A Health spokesman said: "The Secretary of State announced in September that we will publish a strategy in 2008 for reducing health inequalities."

HERO'S VC COULD FETCH £180,000

The Victoria Cross awarded to brave George Samson, of Carnoustie, who saved dozens of comrades cut down by Turkish fire in 1916 at Gallipoli, is expected to fetch up to £180,000 at auction in London next month.

VENUS CLUES ON GLOBAL WARMING

Life could have been possible on Venus billions of years ago...before its climate changed. The new research on "Earth's fiery twin" - published in Nature - could help to show how global warming affects our planet.